Syria: SDF integration agreement trudges along amid tensions on the ground

Syria's government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) appear to be gradually implementing the provisions of the March 10 agreement, despite concerns of a stall in the process.

Joint committees are still discussing mechanisms for implementing the plan, particularly the provisions related to military integration and the state's structure.

Hassan Mohammed Ali, co-chair of the Public Relations Office of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the SDF's political wing, said in an interview with al-Mashhad TV that the agreement is "not bound by a short timeframe", adding that the process requires "patience and political will from both sides".

Ali added that the SDF delegation was dedicated to implementing the March 10th agreement, saying there were "positive signs" and that significant progress could happen by the end of the year.

He explained that Damascus sent a proposal paper regarding military integration, adding that a preliminary agreement had been reached allowing the SDF to keep three military divisions in northern and eastern Syria.

However further details, including the nature of the relationship with the Ministry of Defence, remain under discussion.

Ali also said that there was a "preliminary agreement" between the government and the SDF regarding decentralisation, noting that meetings had been held in Aleppo with the governors of Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo on administrative powers.

The SDC co-chair also highlighted growing international acceptance of the idea of decentralisation. However the idea is contentious in Syria, with the government opposing any federal system amid fears that the country could break up.

The SDC co-chair's remarks come amid leaks regarding regional movements by the SDF, alongside escalating tensions north and east of Aleppo.

A recent visit by the SDF to Beirut sparked controversy after it was revealed that the group met with Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon, including Hezbollah.

Speaking to The New Arab's Arabic-language sister site, Abdul Salam Ahmed, the representative of the SDF-linked Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Lebanon, said that it aimed to open channels of communication with the Lebanese government and politicians.

He added that meetings were held with Lebanese security agencies, focusing on technical matters, including mechanisms for repatriating Lebanese women and children from the al-Hol camp, and discussing the risks of the Islamic State group's activity and shared security challenges.

Ahmed emphasised that the visit "took place publicly" and was announced by  Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar.

Tensions on the ground

On the ground, clashes have cast a shadow over the negotiations, with the SDF announcing the wounding of two of its soldiers by a suicide drone near Deir Hafer, east of Aleppo.

The SDF said factions loyal to Damascus were behind the attack, considering it a "very dangerous escalation". The group added that the government would be responsible for the repercussions of the attack.

Repeated clashes have also taken place along the front lines near the Tishrin Dam and Deir Hafer.